Fourth Shower

Nistha çåëvatäà sva-kathäù kåñëaù puëya-çravaëa-kértanaù | hådy antaù stho hy abhadräëi vidhunoti suhåt satäm || Kåñëa, who purifies by the processes of hearing and chanting, who is the benefactor of the devotees who hear about him, enters the hearts of the devotees and destroys their sins.

nañöa-präyeñv abhadreñu nityaà bhägavata-sevayä | bhagavaty uttama-çloke bhaktir bhavati naiñöhiké || As the impediments to bhakti become generally destroyed by constant service to the devotees and Bhägavatam, the stage of niñöhitä bhakti to Bhagavän, who is praised by the greatest sages, becomes established. Sb

Characteristics Absence of Laya: sleep while hearing or chanting Viksepa: projecting material ideas on hearing Apratipatti: spiritual indifference even without sleep or distracted mind Kasaya: sinful habits such as anger, greed and pride Rasasvad: attraction to material enjoyment while chanting or hearing

Nistha Impurities remain but do not cause obstacle Impurities are only completely removed at the stage of bhava.

Types of Nistha Steadiness in bhakti –Body –Word –Mind Steadiness in qualities –Humility, respect –Friendliness, mercy etc.

Steadiness in bhakti gives ability to perceive real steadiness in other devotees. Steadiness in qualities is not always a sign of steadiness in bhakti.